Note on the tariffs

A few customers have reached out with questions on how the tariffs will affect us, if we will raise prices, etc so I wanted to take a moment to talk about it here. 

First, our Annual Earth Day Sale is $30 Off while inventory lasts!

Inventory in our warehouse is currently on sale ($119, reg. $149) for Earth Day. This sale was always planned, we do it every year. So if you're thinking of buying a Window Solar Charger, do it now :)  

We have custom components made in China that can't currently be made in the U.S. that would be heavily tariffed causing us to raise our prices. I have always wanted the Window Solar Charger to be as accessible as possible (solar in any window!), so I am really unhappy about this. We are prepared to eat some of the tariff cost ourselves. 

How are Grouphug's products made? Where? 

Short answer: We have the capabilities to manufacture small batches in the United States or larger runs in China. The small batches done in the U.S. are more expensive and they still include assembly of some parts of China (that we can't manufacture in the states right now).  

Long answer: Our Window Solar Charger product consists of many different parts that come together into one beautiful product (i.e. patented solar panel, custom circuit board, bamboo frame, cotton cord, screws, etc). It is possible to source many components in the U.S ... except for our patented custom solar panel. When we first launched, I searched high & low for a solar factory in the U.S. who could produce it and couldn't find a single one that would work with me. The most advanced solar panel factories are in China. We work with these specialized facilities who make rooftop solar panels to also produce ours. I know that sometimes there is a connotation that products made in China are "junk", that's simply not true. I've been manufacturing products for 15+ years and I've been to China several times to collaborate with some wonderful tech manufacturing partners. 

Now all that is to say - I genuinely hope we can bring solar panel factories and renewable energy production to the U.S! There was an LG Solar factory in Alabama, but it recently closed in 2022. I know this because I tried to talk to them :) The struggle to manufacture custom solar in the states is real.

Why don't you start a solar manufacturing facility in the U.S.?

If LG had to shut down their solar factory, I'm not sure the odds are in my favor :) I have looked into purchasing the equipment before, it's something I'll keep scheming on. Even if a business owner does create a manufacturing facility, it takes quite a bit of work to make sure the facility is meeting safety standards, etc. 

What does this mean for the future?

We're exploring different ways to keep growing & expanding. We're developing smaller solar products that can be more price accessible. We're also exploring new Grouphug products that don't feature solar panels and explore other topics (i.e. composting). You may also see us release smaller batches of more unique Window Solar Charger designs (i.e. different colors, shapes, sizes). Stay tuned, I guarantee you it will be interesting!

Will Grouphug need to shut down?

Absolutely not! We launched during COVID and survived that, we will survive this time period too. I am committed to Grouphug for the long haul. Starting this company was a dream for me. I love being able to teach people about sustainability and energy through simple, beautiful products they use every day. 

Please feel free to ask me any questions (krystal@grouphugtech.com)

I LOVE that tariffs are making people more aware of manufacturing & supply chain. If you have ideas or resources to share on solar manufacturing, I am always open to hearing about that. 

From Grouphug Founder,
Krystal Persaud